Post-Doctoral Researcher position in bacterial protein engineering (m/f/d)

The INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials in Saarbrücken, Germany, is an internationally leading center for materials research, a scientific partner to national and international research institutions, and a research and development provider for numerous companies throughout the world. The INM is a member of the Leibniz Association and has about 250 employees.

The INM research group Bioprogrammable Materials is looking for an enthusiastic Post-doctoral Researcher with experience in Protein Engineering. We combine synthetic biology and biomaterials to develop smart platforms for therapeutics and sensing applications in the form of Engineered Living Materials (ELMs). We are seeking to fill a 2-year funded Post-doctoral Researcher position for a project involving the engineering of stimuli-responsive proteins to develop genetic switches and circuits in therapeutically relevant bacteria.

Your tasks:

• Use computational tools to design protein structures with desired properties
• Produce these proteins in probiotic bacteria and experimentally test their activity
• Optimize protein designs based on experimental results
• Develop bacterial biosensors of intra- and extra-cellular analytes
• Active participation in the research activities of the group and collaboration with external partners
• Publish scientific papers and present results at international meetings

Your profile:

We are seeking a person with a doctoral degree in biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology or related fields, with practical experience in protein engineering. The candidate will be part of an international, multi-disciplinary team in which English is the primary language of communication and reporting. Since we work on application-oriented research, candidates with entrepreneurial interests are appreciated.

We offer:

• A 2-year E13 TV-L 100% contract.
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment with excellent, state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• A cooperative, friendly and supportive environment, with plenty of opportunities to interact with other researchers, also outside the team and the institute.
• The opportunity for training to support high-quality research and to further develop your profile.

Please send us the following through the online application system:

• Motivation letter
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Publication list (if available)
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details of 2 references

Submission deadline: 6th August 2025  (Job offers - INM )

For more information on the institute, please see: https://www.leibniz-inm.de/en/  

The INM practices an open and appreciative corporate culture in which the existing diversity is promoted and lived. The institute is an equal opportunity employer with a certified family-friendly policy, and it provides offers for a better work-life balance, flextime, and mobile working. We promote professional opportunities for women and strongly encourage them to apply. Full time jobs can be generally divided. Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.